Match Preview

Sounders are 6th on 38 points in the Western Conference and their recent shaky form has resulted in them only just sitting in a playoff spot.

Sigi Schmid’s side have won just three of their last 12 regular season games but come into this one off the back of a 2-1 home win over Portland Timbers.

With San Jose Earthquakes and Houston Dynamo applying the pressure on Sounders, Schmid is more than aware his side cannot afford anymore sloppy performances and this is a game they have to take points from.

Toronto have been in solid form, winning their last two on the bounce and have registered three wins in their last five outings.

Greg Vanney’s side have struggled to find form on the road and haven’t won in their last five attempts away from home.

Toronto are sitting 4th in the Eastern Conference on 37 points and aren’t out of the running to contest for the Supporters’ Shield, but their main aim will be to finish the season with a good run of form and head into the playoffs full of confidence.

They come into the game off the back of a 2-1 home win against Montreal Impact and will feel they have a chance of upsetting Sounders but know this will be a tough task.

Team News

Seattle have six injury concerns heading into this tie. Andreas Correa, Andy Craven and Damion Lowe are all out, while Leonardo Gonzalez, Clint Dempsey and Andreas Ivanschitz are all doubts. Osvaldo Alonso and Andy Rose are both one caution away from suspension. While Roman Torres, Marco Pappa and Victor Mansaray are away on international duty

Toronto also have six injury concerns for this one. Mark Bloom remains out, but their main concern will be whether or not key man Sebastian Giovinco will feature as he is a doubt. Benoit Cheyrou, Jackson, Damien Perquis and Nick Hagglund are also all doubts. Jozy Altidore is away on international duty with the USMNT, while Colleen Warner is suspended.

Key Points

Seattle Sounders’ last five in MLS: L/L/W/L/W

Toronto’s last five in MLS: W/L/L/W/W

Key Stat: Toronto have failed to win any of their last five away ties in MLS and have conceded at least three in all of those games.

Key Player: Obafemi Martins – The Sounders forward has netted an impressive ten goals in 14 appearances this season and it has left us wondering how much better things could be if he had been fit all campaign.